Opportunity should not be a privilege. Through meaningful partnerships, mentoring, and outreach in our broader community beyond Freshfields, we break down barriers and create pathways for people from underserved backgrounds – helping them realise their potential, and build a future where talent, not background, defines success.

A fair start shouldn’t depend on where you begin. We’re opening doors to opportunity for all.

We believe where you start should never determine how far you can go. Through our community impact programme, we provide people from underserved backgrounds with the tools, experiences, and networks they need to succeed—focusing on social mobility to expand access to legal and professional careers.

Partnering for progress

Collaboration drives impact. In the UK for example, the Freshfields Aspiring Professionals Programme, developed in partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation, raises the aspirations of young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds across the UK.  

Empowering others

Our people go beyond giving advice – they provide hands-on support to open doors and create opportunities. From the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme in the UK to the START scholarship in Germany, we help talent take their next steps. Offering work shadowing in Hong Kong, mentoring in Singapore, and supporting young people through Article 1 in France.

Giving back, driving change

We are passionate about making a positive difference to the local communities we serve. Across our offices, we support local causes through fundraising and volunteering initiatives, matched giving, and payroll giving schemes.

At Freshfields, community impact is not a choice – it’s how we help shape a future where opportunity is open to all.